Who steals a cat?!

A friend of mine who volunteers for a local pet rescue group sent me the following:
Sunday night one of our foster cats cat Simon (aka Daddy-O), a lovely ginger tom, was stolen from the Casa Linda Petco.

Two large white men walked into the store hung around by the cat condos, walked off & then back by the condos. The employee present at the time, was "on the floor" & one of the men put a finger to his lips to tell her to be quiet, while the other raised his jacket to reveal a gun. They then took Simon out of the condo & left the store without taking anything else.

The police were notified & came & took a report & viewed the store video.
======================

I have about 15 stray cats and kittens in my backyard. If someone wants one, they are more than welcome to come catch it. This is plain ridiculous.

Edit: I just saw a news report on this. It is a 1st degree felony punishable by up to 99 years in jail. You don't mess with someone's animals in Texas.

If you enjoyed reading about "Who steals a cat?!" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!

BobCat

January 3, 2006, 02:08 PM

Maybe someone who wants to train their fighting dog:mad:

If the strays in your yard bother you, see if SNAP (spay and neuter all pets) has a branch in our area. They will fix them cheap if you live-trap them and bring them in. And the fixed ones will hold the ground against incursions by others not of their colony. Look at www.alleycat.org or www.feralcat.com for info.

To keep this gun-related - I think displaying a pistol during a robbery qualifies as "armed robbery" but IANAL. Seems like an extreme risk - not likely the guy was just in love with that cat and had to take it home right then.

Regards,
Andrew

Biker

January 3, 2006, 02:09 PM

I'd have to guess that someone has a real jones for El Gato Tacos.:evil:
Biker

Stiletto Null

January 3, 2006, 02:13 PM

Well, purebreds can fetch a lot of money on the black market.

w/e

V4Vendetta

January 3, 2006, 02:21 PM

"Well, purebreds can fetch a lot of money on the black market."

Yes I just saw a movie where one BG says to another BG:

Frank: "Hey Lou, you got the cat?"
Lou: "SHUT UP! They might be listening."
Frank: "You don't have the cat do ya? I oughta kill you."
Lou: "You don't have any brains. I got the cat. You waste me, say bye to Puss-in-Boots.":D

Sindawe

January 3, 2006, 02:22 PM

So to further the discussion, would one be justified in drawing their own weapon (assuming CCW legal) on these cat-nappers?

Nitrogen

January 3, 2006, 02:31 PM

This sounds more like a movie script than real life.

I'm sure we'll find out that the armed men were CIA agents, and Simon swallowed some top secret microfilm proving [random conspiracy theory]:scrutiny:

Biker

January 3, 2006, 02:33 PM

This sounds more like a movie script than real life.

I'm sure we'll find out that the armed men were CIA agents, and Simon swallowed some top secret microfilm proving [random conspiracy theory]:scrutiny:
Ahhhh....Pussy-Gate!
:evil:
Biker

dracphelan

January 3, 2006, 02:56 PM

Unfortunately, all the feral groups in the area require rental fees for the cages and charge you for getting the cat fixed. Unfortunately, I just got laid off and can't afford the fees.

As to whether it would be legal to draw on them. In Texas, I think it would. Since one of the robbers displayed a weapon. Not to mention, we still have some funky rules about animal property. It wasn't to long ago that shoplifting a pound of ground beef was a felony. The law read that the theft of a cow, or any part of a cow, is a felony.

mnrivrat

January 3, 2006, 03:02 PM

When you back over the godfathers cat - you need a look-a-like in a hurrry and the nearest ATM wasn't working .;)

trickyasafox

January 3, 2006, 05:20 PM

cats are free, your a real jerk if you take a pet store cat. go to a farm, you'll find plenty of cute barn cat kittens that will be fine house pets and most farmers are far to happy to be rid of a few. we have 4-5 cats that live in our garage. they have kittens about 2x a year, maybe 3. the boys stay a season, and wander off and the girls hang around a bit longer, but not always. they are all friendly and petable, but come and go as they please. very convienent.

XLMiguel

January 3, 2006, 05:27 PM

Several years ago we had a problem with some scumbags snatchi pet cats and selling them to research labs. Apparently, though, the law has been tightened up and labs now want to know the geneology of research animals, so it doesn't make much sense to snatch them off the street.

This sounds like some grade B sitcom where somebody's kid's/girlfriend's red tabby got smooshed and they needed a replacement?:confused: Or meybe they's 'rescuing a cat that got picked up by mistake?:rolleyes: Still, armed robbery over an undocumented animal doesn't make much sense, but where is it written that criminals had any sense?

f4t9r

January 3, 2006, 05:56 PM

This would not be the first time a gun was drawn when a pussy was involved.
I mean a cat of coarse.

Biker

January 3, 2006, 06:10 PM

This would not be the first time a gun was drawn when a pussy was involved.
I mean a cat of coarse.
Of course.
:)
I was also wondering what an "undocumented animal" was when referring to cats. An illegal pussy?
So many euphemisms...
Biker

WayneConrad

January 3, 2006, 07:49 PM

So to further the discussion, would one be justified in drawing their own weapon (assuming CCW legal) on these cat-nappers?

I'll bet it depends upon what state you are in. In Arizona, I think you would be legally justified to draw. Once the robber's weapon gets displayed in the commission of a crime I'd imagine it's a felony, and in Arizona you may use the threat of deadly force to stop a felony. Now, if the criminal continues to take the cat, or just leaves, but does not threaten life or limb (keeps the pistol in his jacket, for example), you can't shoot. I can imagine this being a bit of an awkward spot to be in ("stop, or I'll yell 'stop' again!"), but anywhere in the store would be an awkward spot to be in, whether you drew or not.

It might be wise to have my weapon more at the ready than the criminal's in case he decides to raise the risk to me and others.

rust collector

January 3, 2006, 08:22 PM

Didn't you see Men in Black, the movie? Obviously this cat was wearing some pricey jewelry. Of course, now the earth will be destroyed...

Mizzle187

January 3, 2006, 08:39 PM

Ive had two cats stolen from me in the past 4 years. One was a born bobtail older kitten. My girlfriend is a freak about bobtailed cats. She loves them. Come to find out later some guy stole it for his girlfriend!

FallenAngel

January 3, 2006, 09:25 PM

This reminded me of the part in The Boondock Saints where they accidently shot the cat....

bogie

January 3, 2006, 09:37 PM

What really happened:

"Now, youse boys did real good with that thing the other day. Now, the boss is gonna be doing some landscaping, so he wants you to go out and get him a 'Cat."

Herself

January 3, 2006, 09:38 PM

I came home many years ago to discover the neighbors in the side yard, cops all over, and one of my windows broken out. The police had been through my place once, but as I was arriving, a K9 unit showed up; went through the house again, with me this time, and I was fretting about my poor cat having probably run away, but not saying anyhting because the officers were being Seriously Serious...

So the dog leads us all through the place and comes to stop at my bed, lookng under and then up at his boss. Two huge burly city cops reach in and, sure enough....

Pull out a tiny little old lady!

She's so drunk she make no sense. She's got a six-pack of colas from my fridge in one hand and my cat in the other!

I free my cat (who promptly hides). The cops sit the little old lady down outside on the porch, and grill her, a bit good-naturedly now that she's seen to be not especially harmless, and the story that emerges, in fragments, is that she thought my cat was hers, and broke in to "free" it (and, it would seem, anything drinkable in the place...)

Who'd steal a cat? Lots of people, I guess.

I declined to press charges. Drunk and dazed is its own punishment.

--Herself

IndianaDean

January 3, 2006, 09:56 PM

If they stole the cat to train their dogs, when they're caught, they should both be put into a pen to play with the friendly tigers for a few hours.

M.E.Eldridge

January 3, 2006, 10:32 PM

Why, PETA of course. And then they'd kill them and throw their bodies in a dumpster

Stevie-Ray

January 3, 2006, 10:55 PM

If they stole the cat to train their dogs, when they're caught, they should both be put into a pen to play with the friendly tigers for a few hours.I quite agree!:mad:

BobCat

January 4, 2006, 11:58 AM

+1 !

Lupinus

January 4, 2006, 12:13 PM

Find a few cats that will absoloutly bite and claw up a bag of cat nip, we aren't talking love and play with it we are talking storm the beachs with guns blazing destroy the bag of cat nip with extreme violence, then spread some on the cat nappers nether regions and lock him in a room with said cats.

Cosmoline

January 4, 2006, 12:14 PM

"A friend of mine said..."

hmmm. Where's the actual source on this? My bet is if it did happen something else was going on. Why risk all the hard time from armed robbery for a cat?

johnnymenudo

January 4, 2006, 01:01 PM

Cat's are actually doing reconnaissance for aliens so these might have been Men In Black.

My friend was able to include details not in the articles due to being a volunteer in the pet rescue organization.

Coronach

January 4, 2006, 04:27 PM

What breed was it? I have relatives that breed purebred cats. A good example will sell for upwards of $1,000.

Mike

PS Yes, this one would, by the nature of the way it was obtained, be unpapered. But still, depending on breed a good example without pedigree will go for a couple hundred bucks.

georgeduz

January 4, 2006, 04:32 PM

...

danurve

January 4, 2006, 04:34 PM

So years ago going into an apartment house to 'fluff' an apartment after the welfare addicts were kicked out, scumwaffles left a female chocotate lab puppie chained to the kitchen drain to starve to death. Friend of mine raised it and two years later another scumwaffle stoled her.

This has realy nothing to do with this thread but it reminded me of how many wing-nuts and scumwaffles there are out there, who will steal something regardless of it's value.:barf:

grimjaw

January 4, 2006, 04:46 PM

What breed was it? I have relatives that breed purebred cats. A good example will sell for upwards of $1,000.

Even poor examples can bring $300, and robberies will often happen for much less. It does seem to be a low risk area to rob from a perpetrator's perspective, unlike convenience stores where you expect thugs to walk in with a gun and start demanding money.

jmm

VinnyT

January 4, 2006, 04:50 PM

Maybe the local Chinese restaurant needed to make another batch of General Tso's chicken?

...sorry had to do it. :p

Cosmoline

January 4, 2006, 05:56 PM

Meh. I still don't buy it. There's got to be more to this story. Nobody is going to risk felony charges to get a cat.

dracphelan

January 4, 2006, 06:30 PM

What breed was it? I have relatives that breed purebred cats. A good example will sell for upwards of $1,000.

From the pictures, it was just an orange tabby cat. There is some theories that this might be the result of someone being turned down for adoption. The rescue organization has high standards for adoption. And, if they think you won't be able to properly care for the animal, they will turn you down. Though, they will help you change things to meet their standards.

Phyphor

January 4, 2006, 07:09 PM

If they stole the cat to train their dogs, when they're caught, they should both be put into a pen to play with the friendly tigers for a few hours.
Make sure them tigers have been allowed to go hungry fer a coupla days... :evil:

Texfire

January 4, 2006, 07:28 PM

Well they better hope they don't get caught or they could get charged with with felineous assault. What a catastrophic fate that would be.

Tex

joab

January 4, 2006, 07:41 PM

Two questions
How much was the cat?
How much does the "eye witness"earn?

I'd hate to think anyone would steal an animal period..and if it were for any reason other than to give it a good home, that would only compound the crime and.. I'd hope, make the consequences for the criminals more serious.

Take Care

IndianaDean

January 4, 2006, 09:23 PM

Find a few cats that will absoloutly bite and claw up a bag of cat nip, we aren't talking love and play with it we are talking storm the beachs with guns blazing destroy the bag of cat nip with extreme violence, then spread some on the cat nappers nether regions and lock him in a room with said cats.

That's a decent method too.

And yes, we have to make sure the tigers are good and hungry, and angry.

4v50 Gary

January 4, 2006, 11:12 PM

Steal a cat at gunpoint? I shudder to think what happened to that cat later.

Herself - your little old cat burglar story was too funny. I hope she paid for your window and other damage.

Hardtarget

January 5, 2006, 12:10 AM

Oh! Iknow! Its "Men In Black" Remember...the galaxy was on Orions belt! So they wern't stealing the cat, they were kidnaping a whole galaxy! :what:
Mark.

Moonclip

January 5, 2006, 12:17 AM

Sorry, but I'm not going outside and drawing a gun on anyone who trespasses in my yard to steal one of the 13 or so strays I kept feeding since my grandmother who is now in a old age home was doing so even though 2-3 of the cats "love" me:rolleyes:

Anyone want a free stray cat BTW? I will have to look in to the low cost neutering as 8 cats will soon turn in to 30 and it is becoming a health hazard though I feel sorry for them and don't want them in the pound really or stop feeding them. My grandmother used to say though that they came into the world with their "equipment" and they would be leaving that way too!

beaucoup ammo

January 5, 2006, 09:03 AM

Here, in the Sothwest..S.N.A.P. (Spay Neuter Assistance Program) has mobile units that visit various neighborhoods. Prices are cheap and free if you're low on dough!

Take Care

280PLUS

January 5, 2006, 09:12 AM

I love 'em but they make me sneeze something awful. Itchy eyes too.

:p

armoredman

January 5, 2006, 11:22 AM

On the other hand, there is a bad problem with black cats during Halloween time. We keep our three black ones close during then, as local nutjob devil worshippers will steal black cats and torture them to death in some sadistic 'ritual". Touch any of my furry babies, and your end may be near!

MillCreek

January 5, 2006, 12:25 PM

On the other hand, there is a bad problem with black cats during Halloween time. We keep our three black ones close during then, as local nutjob devil worshippers will steal black cats and torture them to death in some sadistic 'ritual". Touch any of my furry babies, and your end may be near!

My next door neighbor used to work at a municipal pet shelter. She confirmed that people would come in around Halloween time specifically looking for black cats, and they were always evasive as to why they wanted a black cat. The shelter would not let them have one.

Sheldon J

January 5, 2006, 01:49 PM

Nah you are all wrong it was a Hit contracted by the mouse maffia.:rolleyes:

Mot45acp

January 5, 2006, 02:51 PM

"Did you get a cat that looks like Jinxie and spraypaint the tail Focker, DID YOU?" Bobby Deniro

Spiggy

January 5, 2006, 03:28 PM

I've had a pet stolen from me before... very devistating

Hopefully they'll find the sphincters behind it... I dont think a tiger tank would be appropriate: This sounds like the job for the whole Sigfreid & Roy experience

Fleeing from the fury of the fuzz for felonious pilfering of a fuzzy feline!

Carl N. Brown

January 5, 2006, 05:19 PM

Obviously, a cat burglar.

glockamolee

January 5, 2006, 05:24 PM

Well... if you consider that armed robbers enjoy being able to terrorize and intimidate; it may have been "for kicks" as they figured that they couldn't get to the cash register.

Steal the cat instead.

I have two cats and I would not want those two to run into me anywhere. Since I'm from Michigan, they're safe. :(

beaucoup ammo

January 5, 2006, 05:37 PM

Here at Rancho Relaxo in South Texas, anyone who even thought about harming one of my feline friends would have hell to pay!

Take Care

MillCreek

January 5, 2006, 07:24 PM

I subscribe to a Washington state insurance law reporter. We recently had an appellate case (Lawson v. Chrisps) in which a man came onto his sunporch one day and the neighbor's cat was there. The cat 'attacked' the man, who promptly shot the cat. He then sued his neighbors for harboring a dangerous animal. The trial court threw out the case on the basis that there was no prior notice that the cat was dangerous; the Court of Appeals affirmed, dismissing the case.

The odd thing was that as you read the case report, the man reported previously feeding, petting and stroking the cat on his lap on that very same sunporch. Why the heck he felt the need to shoot the very same cat at a later date is a mystery to me. Although my cat is a house cat, suffice it to say that any neighbor who shot her had better sleep with one eye open for a long time to come.

denfoote

January 5, 2006, 07:52 PM

This sounds more like a movie script than real life.

I'm sure we'll find out that the armed men were CIA agents, and Simon swallowed some top secret microfilm proving [random conspiracy theory]:scrutiny:

Question.
Was the cat wearing a "Galaxy" on it's collar and did the "men" have bugs coming out of their sleeves??

Biker

January 5, 2006, 08:05 PM

I subscribe to a Washington state insurance law reporter. We recently had an appellate case (Lawson v. Chrisps) in which a man came onto his sunporch one day and the neighbor's cat was there. The cat 'attacked' the man, who promptly shot the cat. He then sued his neighbors for harboring a dangerous animal. The trial court threw out the case on the basis that there was no prior notice that the cat was dangerous; the Court of Appeals affirmed, dismissing the case.

The odd thing was that as you read the case report, the man reported previously feeding, petting and stroking the cat on his lap on that very same sunporch. Why the heck he felt the need to shoot the very same cat at a later date is a mystery to me. Although my cat is a house cat, suffice it to say that any neighbor who shot her had better sleep with one eye open for a long time to come.
I completely understand the love you feel for your pet, but people who let their cats wander should be prepared to lose them. I contain my dogs and people should contain their cats.
Jmo...
Biker

Sindawe

January 5, 2006, 08:17 PM

The more I learn about people, the better I like my cats. Even the crazy dangerous ones. :D I completely understand the love you feel for your pet, but people who let their cats wander should be prepared to lose them. I contain my dogs and people should contain their cats.+1 Thats why all four of mine are strictly indoor kitties.

Biker

January 5, 2006, 08:23 PM

Would that there were more like you.:)
Biker

MillCreek

January 5, 2006, 10:08 PM

Because I live in the suburbs, both dogs and the cat are house animals, except for the fenced back yard. Between cars, coyotes, raptors, exposure to toxins and the like, I think that an animal allowed to roam freely in the suburbs has a shorter life span. My vet agrees with me. In fact, when my house cat of nine years died suddenly last year, we replaced her with a cat that had been abandoned by a family that moved away. She had turned feral and had taken up residence on our porch where we had been feeding and caring for her. We moved her entirely into the house and she adjusted very well.

beaucoup ammo

January 6, 2006, 08:46 AM

As I grow older, I often find the company of animals preferable to that of humans. I'm not anti-social..often getting together with friends at the range or ranch, but animals let you know straight off where they're coming from and what they think of you.

Our three indoor cat pals were found by the side of a road a neighbor was cleaning up trash at. It was August 2004, 11AM and about 92 already (South Texas), they were in a plastic grocery bag, tied at the top, swimming in their own whizz and poop and scared to death. Well, old Bill knew my wife and I are animal lovers ..6 outside cats..all spayed/neutered and have their shots. We're lucky enough to have a good size spread and the kats have numerous areas to run, hide, woodpiles to hunt up critters and what not.

He drove up, spotted me in the front and brought over the bag. (He also qualified with me for our CHL's), BTW. Those 3 little guys were frightened and filthy. While my wife bathed them in the sink, I made a run to the vets for formula, etc.

Long story short, Mr. Ears, Mama and Sweety Pie are all happy, healthy house kats and enjoy the enclosed porches to check out the wildlife and smell the wind (sort of like a kat's e-mail! They can sniff what's going on, who's around, etc.). We never have to worry if a roach or mouse gets in!

If anyone tried to steal or harm them in anyway...I really don't know what I'd do. Having raised three (3) children, our pets have sort of replaced them, and in a sense, are part of the family.

Take Care

Biker

January 6, 2006, 09:35 AM

I too am an animal lover (no, not in *that* way!) but I'm a dog guy. I firmly believe that my dogs are a huge responsibility and they shouldn't be allowed to impose upon the property rights of others. I feel the same way about cats, but many people seem to think that it's perfectly fine to allow their cats to roam.
It's really a sore spot with me. I have bird feeders in my yard and sometimes it seems that I'm just maintaining a snack bar for the neighborhood cats.:cuss:
They dig in my flowerbeds, put muddy paw prints on my fat-bobs, so forth.
I won't hurt them, but I will trap them and turn them over to animal control.
Biker

I too am an animal lover (no, not in *that* way!) but I'm a dog guy. I firmly believe that my dogs are a huge responsibility and they shouldn't be allowed to impose upon the property rights of others. I feel the same way about cats, but many people seem to think that it's perfectly fine to allow their cats to roam.
It's really a sore spot with me. I have bird feeders in my yard and sometimes it seems that I'm just maintaining a snack bar for the neighborhood cats.:cuss:
They dig in my flowerbeds, put muddy paw prints on my fat-bobs, so forth.
I won't hurt them, but I will trap them and turn them over to animal control.
Biker

Well, cats tend to be wandering critters.... our normal sized properties aren't as big as cats like for home territory.

One good way to keep 'em out is use of the good 'ol fashioned waterhose. A few good soakings and the fuzzballs will tend to avoid your yard.

Biker

January 6, 2006, 03:22 PM

True enough I suppose, but I really shouldn't have to go through the BS. The sad part is, once in awhile they get into my yard while my dogs are out (big fenced yard) and they don't make back over the fence.
I do what I can to avoid it, but it does happen.
All of these problems would be non-issues if people took responsiblity for their animals.
Biker

fluffygrrl

January 6, 2006, 03:35 PM

still its difficult to keep a cat under control all the time, especially if you have more than one.

Biker

January 6, 2006, 03:41 PM

still its difficult to keep a cat under control all the time, especially if you have more than one.
I agree, but isn't that something you should've thought about prior to becoming a cat owner? It seems to me that if you can't control them outside that they should be kept inside.
Is that unreasonable?
Biker

beaucoup ammo

January 6, 2006, 03:49 PM

My wife was leaving to shop (always with the shopping!) and I saw the Jeep stop in front of the house, and she backed up the drive.

There are some irresponsible, mutant low lifes that live down the road that allow their cats to roam, not fixed, throw them scraps..and one got hit by a car right in front of my house.

I was torn between bagging the poor little critter, taking the deceased down to the crap head who allowed this to happen and having words, or calling the city to come pick up the dead animal. My neighbor across the way, aware of my temper and love of animals, strongly suggested I call the city..which I did.

But I'm still going to have words with that idiot.

Take Care

If you enjoyed reading about "Who steals a cat?!" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!